Business Details
Your Trusted Equine Massage & Saddle Fitting Service in Redmond, WA
Back in Stride is a dedicated equine wellness service founded by Tara Kolesar, a licensed and certified equine massage therapist. With a lifelong passion for horses cultivated since childhood, Tara combines extensive education and hands-on experience to deliver specialized care. She graduated summa cum laude from Delaware Valley University with dual degrees in Equine Studies and Business, earning the prestigious Founders Day Award. Her expertise includes equine anatomy, massage therapy, and saddle fitting, refined through advanced training at institutions like the Northwest School of Animal Massage and Mike Scotts Saddle Fitting Course.Back in Stride offers tailored services such as performance massage, rehabilitation therapy, and cold laser treatments to enhance equine health. The business prioritizes evidence-based practices, emphasizing circulation improvement, pain relief, and injury prevention. Serving the Puget Sound and Eastside regions, Tara provides personalized care for performance horses, weekend warriors, and retirees. Her commitment to client education and holistic wellness ensures horses receive optimal support for physical and mental well-being. Back in Stride stands as a trusted partner for equine owners seeking professional, compassionate care.
Services
Equine Massage
Saddle Fitting
Cold Laser Therapy
Rehabilitation Massage
Performance Massage
Highlights and features
- Certified LAMP therapist with advanced equine anatomy training.
- Graduated summa cum laude in Equine Studies and Business.
- Specialized in performance, rehabilitation, and retiree horse care.
- Offers cold laser therapy for pain and inflammation reduction.
- Serves Puget Sound and Eastside with personalized appointments.
Associations and certifications
- Washington State Department of Health
- National Board of Certification for Animal Acupressure and Massage
- Mike Scott's Saddle Fitting Course
Services
Equine Massage
Equine massage therapy targets muscle tension, improves circulation, and enhances flexibility for horses of all activity levels. Our techniques reduce pain, prevent injuries, and support recovery from exertion or rehabilitation. Clients benefit from tailored sessions addressing performance needs, chronic stiffness, or retirement-related discomfort.
Saddle Fitting
Saddle fitting ensures proper equine comfort and rider effectiveness through precise anatomical evaluation. We assess static and dynamic saddle fit, making flocking adjustments or recommending replacements to prevent pressure points. This service extends saddle longevity while optimizing horse-rider harmony during training or competition.
Cold Laser Therapy
Cold laser therapy accelerates healing by reducing inflammation, relieving pain, and stimulating cellular repair in horses. This non-invasive treatment addresses wounds, arthritis, and post-surgical recovery while minimizing reliance on medications. Clients see improved mobility and comfort for horses with chronic or acute conditions.
Rehabilitation Massage
Rehabilitation massage restores mobility and reduces stiffness in horses recovering from injury or surgery. We employ targeted techniques to improve circulation, break scar tissue adhesions, and re-engage underused muscles. This service supports stalled horses by maintaining musculoskeletal health during limited activity periods.
Performance Massage
Performance massage optimizes equine athletes' endurance and movement efficiency through sport-specific muscle conditioning. Regular sessions enhance flexibility, prevent fatigue-related injuries, and refine muscle memory for competition demands. Riders notice improved responsiveness and sustained peak performance in their horses.
People
Tara Kolesar
Owner and Therapist
Tara Kolesar, LAMP-certified equine massage therapist, graduated summa cum laude in Equine Studies and Business from Delaware Valley University. She brings expertise in saddle fitting, cold laser therapy, and rehabilitation techniques to serve Puget Sound clients.
Questions
What are the benefits of equine massage?
Equine massage reduces muscle tension, improves circulation, enhances flexibility, prevents injuries, and accelerates recovery from exertion or injury through targeted therapeutic techniques.
How does saddle fitting prevent horse discomfort?
Proper saddle fitting distributes rider weight evenly, eliminating pressure points that cause pain, muscle atrophy, or behavioral issues during riding activities.
Is cold laser therapy safe for horses?
Yes, our 25W MR4 ActiVet laser delivers non-invasive, drug-free pain relief and accelerates healing for wounds, arthritis, and post-surgical recovery in horses.
What areas do you service?
We serve Redmond, Bellevue, Kirkland, Issaquah, Woodinville, and surrounding Puget Sound regions for equine wellness appointments.
How often should horses receive massage?
Performance horses benefit from bi-weekly sessions, while recreational or retired horses typically require monthly maintenance to maintain optimal musculoskeletal health.
Can massage help retired horses?
Yes, regular massage alleviates chronic stiffness, improves circulation, and enhances quality of life for retired horses experiencing age-related aches and reduced mobility.
